Let’s Talk About Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off
Waterfowl hunting is a passion, and having the right ammunition is crucial for a successful hunt. The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off promises to deliver the power and reliability needed for those demanding hunts, with a focus on corrosion resistance and consistent performance. This ammunition from Kent Cartridge aims to enhance the classic Fasteel line with improved components and optimized velocities, and is aimed squarely at the serious waterfowler.
For years, I’ve struggled with steel shot that patterns inconsistently and suffers from corrosion when exposed to harsh marsh environments. I needed a 3.5″ shell that could reliably cycle through my semi-auto, deliver tight patterns at longer ranges, and withstand the elements during late-season hunts. The promise of a high-performance base wad and precision-plated steel led me to give this Kent Cartridge offering a shot.
Out of the box, the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 shells looked well-constructed and clean. The nickel case head stood out as a premium touch, and I immediately felt confident in their build quality. The shells felt substantial, promising a potent load for taking down larger waterfowl like geese.
Compared to other steel shot loads I’ve used, such as Winchester Drylok and Federal Speed-Shok, the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition presented a noticeable difference in the plating and advertised corrosion resistance. I had previously experienced some rusting issues with the Winchester shells in particular, so the appeal of the Kent Cartridge shells being “Precision Plated Steel” was significant. The price point, even before the discount, seemed competitive for a premium steel shot load.
My first impression was one of excitement and anticipation. The advertised features suggested a high-quality, reliable, and effective load, and I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype in the field. The promise of enhanced corrosion resistance also addressed a major pain point from previous seasons, and I looked forward to putting them through their paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place on a late-season goose hunt on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The conditions were typical: cold, damp, and windy. I shot the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition through my Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my semi-auto, and the recoil, while noticeable for a 3.5″ load, was manageable. Patterns at 40 yards were tight and consistent, resulting in several clean kills on geese. I didn’t experience any misfires or cycling issues throughout the morning hunt.
After the hunt, I noticed that the nickel-plated case heads and the shell bodies showed no signs of corrosion, despite being exposed to the wet marsh environment for several hours. This initial observation gave me confidence in the advertised corrosion resistance. There were no malfunctions or failures to report.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the waterfowl season, the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition continued to perform consistently. I used them in various weather conditions, from freezing rain to mild, sunny days. I estimate I fired approximately 100 rounds during this period.
The shells continued to cycle reliably in my shotgun, and I didn’t experience any jams or failures to eject. The patterns remained consistent, and I continued to have success taking down waterfowl at reasonable ranges. The corrosion resistance remained impressive, with no signs of rust or degradation on the shells, even after repeated exposure to moisture.
Compared to my previous experiences with other steel shot loads, the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition has significantly outperformed them in terms of corrosion resistance and consistent cycling. I had fewer issues with jams and misfires, and the tighter patterns resulted in cleaner kills. I feel confident in relying on this ammunition for future waterfowl hunts. Cleaning my shotgun after using the shells was straightforward, with no excessive residue or fouling.
Breaking Down the Features of Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kent Cartridge.
Gauge: 12. This is a standard gauge for waterfowl hunting, providing a balance of power and manageable recoil.
Number of Rounds: 25. A standard box size for shotgun ammunition, enough for a few hunts or range sessions.
Shot Size: 3. Good all-around shot size for ducks and geese at moderate ranges.
Shell Length: 3 1/2 in. This length provides increased payload and power for longer-range shots and larger waterfowl.
Muzzle Velocity: 1550 ft/s. High velocity ensures a flat trajectory and increased energy on target.
Application: Waterfowl. Specifically designed for waterfowl hunting, meeting regulations and providing effective performance.
Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 3/8 oz. A heavy payload for increased pattern density and downrange energy.
Shot Material: Steel. Required for waterfowl hunting in many areas due to lead restrictions.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability and consistent ignition.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Plastic cases are lightweight and weather-resistant.
Lead Free: Yes, No. The contradictory text “Yes, No” seems to indicate the ammunition is designed to be lead free despite listing “No”.
Velocity: 1550 fps. This velocity provides the necessary energy for effective waterfowl hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition delivers consistent and reliable performance in the field. The high velocity and heavy payload result in tight patterns and ample energy on target. This leads to clean kills and reduces the chances of crippling birds.
The ammunition is specifically designed to function reliably in semi-automatic firearms, which is a crucial feature for waterfowl hunters who often need fast follow-up shots. The high-performance base wad ensures consistent cycling and reduces the risk of jams or malfunctions. However, the contradictory statement of “Lead Free: Yes, No” is concerning and should be clarified.
The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition meets expectations for a high-quality steel shot load designed for waterfowl hunting. The consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and corrosion resistance make it a valuable tool for any serious waterfowler. However, Kent Cartridge needs to clarify the “Lead Free” specification.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition is well-designed and constructed with high-quality components. The nickel-plated case head provides excellent corrosion resistance, and the plastic hull is durable and weather-resistant. The shells are easy to load and handle, and they cycle smoothly through most shotguns.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition. As long as you are familiar with your shotgun and follow proper safety procedures, you should have no issues using this ammunition. The design is straightforward and functional, prioritizing performance and reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition is designed to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered during waterfowl hunting. The corrosion-resistant components and durable construction ensure that the shells will perform reliably, even after exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The use of quality components suggests a long shelf life if stored properly.
Maintaining your shotgun after using the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition is relatively simple. Standard cleaning procedures are sufficient to remove any residue or fouling. The quality of the components minimizes the amount of fouling produced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off does not require any specific accessories. Choke selection is the primary factor to consider for optimizing performance. Different chokes will produce different patterns at various ranges.
The ammunition is compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns designed to handle 3.5″ shells. There are no specific modifications needed to use this ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off
Pros
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: The nickel-plated case head and precision-plated steel shot significantly reduce the risk of rust and corrosion, even in harsh conditions.
- Consistent Patterns: The high-quality components and optimized velocities deliver tight and consistent patterns at various ranges, resulting in cleaner kills.
- Reliable Cycling: The high-performance base wad ensures smooth and reliable cycling in semi-automatic shotguns, minimizing the risk of jams or malfunctions.
- High Velocity: The 1550 ft/s velocity provides a flat trajectory and increased energy on target, improving accuracy and effectiveness at longer ranges.
- Effective Payload: The 1 3/8 oz payload provides ample shot density for taking down larger waterfowl like geese.
Cons
- Recoil: The 3.5″ shell length generates significant recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
- “Lead Free: Yes, No”: The conflicting specification regarding lead content creates confusion and uncertainty.
Who Should Buy Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand reliable performance and corrosion resistance in challenging conditions. Hunters who frequently hunt in wet or marshy environments, or those who hunt late in the season when temperatures are cold and damp, will benefit most from the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition. It is also suitable for hunters who use semi-automatic shotguns and need reliable cycling.
This product may not be ideal for novice shooters or those sensitive to recoil. The 3.5″ shell length generates significant recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some. Also, if lead-free ammunition is a strict requirement, the conflicting specification on the product page should be clarified before purchase.
A quality choke designed for steel shot is a must-have accessory for optimizing the performance of this ammunition. Experimenting with different chokes will help you find the best pattern for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off
The Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 Precision Plated Steel 12 Gauge 1 3/8oz 3.5” 3 Size Shotgun Ammunition K1235FS40-3 $2.60 Off is a high-quality steel shot load that delivers consistent and reliable performance in the field. The excellent corrosion resistance, consistent patterns, and reliable cycling make it a valuable tool for any serious waterfowler. However, Kent Cartridge needs to address the contradictory lead-free specification.
The price is justified for the performance and reliability offered. While cheaper steel shot loads are available, the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition provides superior corrosion resistance and consistent patterns, which can make the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating one. The current discount makes it an even more compelling value.
I would personally recommend the Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0 ammunition to any serious waterfowl hunter looking for a reliable and effective steel shot load. The corrosion resistance and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment. Check it out and experience the difference for yourself – happy hunting! Just be sure to double-check that “Lead Free” specification before you buy.